North Dakota has marked a significant cultural milestone with the installation of its first life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The monument was unveiled on Thursday at Peace Park in downtown Bismarck, bringing the Indian leader’s philosophy of peace, unity and non-violence to the American state’s public landscape. The initiative was supported by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the North Dakota Trade Office and members of the local Indian-American community.
A plaque accompanying the statue describes it as a gift from the people of India to the people of North Dakota. It also features Gandhi’s message about embracing friendship with the world and recognizing humanity as one family. The unveiling coincided with the commemorative period surrounding his 157th birth anniversary. October 2, Gandhi’s birthday, is internationally observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.
The dedication ceremony brought together North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, Indian Consul General Prakash Gupta, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and representatives of local authorities and the Indian-American community. Governor Armstrong, Gupta and the First Lady jointly dedicated the monument. During the event, Gupta emphasized the relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy at a time of international conflicts and divisions. Goehring also highlighted the growing relationship between India and North Dakota, while Kjersti Armstrong described preserving Gandhi’s legacy as particularly meaningful in today’s world.
School students added a cultural touch to the ceremony by performing some of Gandhi’s favorite hymns. The statue now stands alongside other installations at Peace Park, which was developed following the September 11 attacks and also features a Peace Pole established by the Gandhi Peace Network of North Dakota.
India-North Dakota engagement has expanded since the Seattle consulate opened in November 2023. Official visits, trade delegations, cultural programs and International Day of Yoga celebrations have strengthened these connections. The new monument is the fifth Gandhi installation within the consulate’s jurisdiction, following earlier installations in Washington, Nebraska and Montana, as well as Bellevue, Washington.
